4D and planetarium holiday shows return, Friday, Nov. 16

The holiday tradition continues as guests are invited on an extraordinary 4D adventure on The Polar Express. This experience, packed with real life sensory effects like snow, smells of hot chocolate, wind blasts, seat vibrations and more, will immerse guests as they embark on an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole.

This 25 minute full dome planetarium experience takes viewers back in time to Jerusalem and Bethlehem to explore the mystery of the “Christmas Star.” The show presents historical and scientific facts through a special audiovisual display featuring popular Christmas carols.

This 40 minute dramatic holiday laser light show features a colorful display of laser lights choreographed to popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday music.

Visit SCMUSEUM.ORG for showtimes and tickets.

Festival of Trees is Back at the State Museum Starting Friday, Nov. 16

The 29th Festival of Trees, a Palmetto Health Foundation signature fundraising event, is returning to the South Carolina State Museum! Enjoy family-friendly holiday cheer throughout the weekend.

About the South Carolina State Museum: As the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the South Carolina State Museum, offers a unique, entertaining and educational experience to visitors throughout its 225,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Congaree Vista.  The State Museum is housed in one of its largest artifacts, an 1894 former textile mill listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. In addition to beautiful meeting spaces throughout the facility, guests can explore outer space in one of the largest planetariums in the Southeast, watch an interactive 4D movie and look through a vintage telescope in a one-of-a-kind observatory. These exciting opportunities are all in addition to the four floors of South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history and science/technology. Visit scmuseum.org to learn more.